Ukraine and the West suspect it was destroyed by a Russian surface-to-air missile fired by Russian soldiers or Russia-backed separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow denies that and Russian officials and state media have alleged the plane was shot down by a Ukrainian missile or a warplane.

Russia's deputy UN ambassador, Petr Iliichev, said that Russia is opposed to the resolution.

It was drafted by the five countries investigating the crash and is under a chapter of the UN Charter, which can be enforced militarily.

Asked whether Russia would push against the adoption of the resolution, Mr Iliichev replied: "Yes."

"It's not a good time and it's counter-productive," he said.

The resolution was prepared by Malaysia, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Australia and Belgium. It was drafted under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter.

The document states that the downing of the plane "and its implications for the safety of civil aviation, constitute a threat to international peace and security".

It expresses the council's determination "to deter future attacks on civil aircraft and to take effective measures to bring to justice the persons who are responsible for this incident".

The draft asks all states and non-governmental organisations to contribute funds, equipment and staff to the tribunal.

A statute for the International Criminal Tribunal for Flight MH17 is annexed to the draft resolution.

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